Deb's Monthly Review

August 2005

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

Festivals for Travelers, Sites of the Month, Archives, Selected Links and more.

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Special Quotation "The mind has exactly the same power as the hands; not merely to grasp the world, but to change it." --Colin Wilson

To parents, teachers, and other guardians of children: The Review is a place where adults or kids should be able to stop by and browse comfortably. But, remember - I have no control over outside links. For happiest results, please surf the Web with your kids!

	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Eyes On Art Easy guide to enjoying art and finding your favorite styles		Handy Site Of The Month: Now That We Have Your Complete Attention No-nonsense tips for making great presentations at work or elsewhere
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Beat the 3PM Slump Collect The Coins, Grab Soup, Avoid Slumps!		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Weather and Climate Folklore The myths and the actual science

Buy great spices at great prices

August 2005 Festivals and Events

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Scroll down for August Festivals and other events for travelers in the U.S.

August 3, 2005 Loon Day Downtown, Mercer, Wisconsin	Sidewalk sales, helicopter rides, more than 250 arts and crafts booths, used book sale (at the Community Center), flea markets, Loon Calling Contest, dance, entertainment and food. Get Further Information: Call 715-476-2389 or 877-551-2204.
August 3-7, 2005 Maine Lobster Festival Harbor Park, Rockland, Maine	Harbor cruises, entertainment, parade (this year volunteers are being honored for their contribution), maritime displays, and of special note is a visit from the USS Wasp LHD-1, an amphibious assault platform. Enjoy photography, a pageant, pancake breakfast, U.S. Coast Guard Station open house, the Maine Seafood Cooking Contest, arts and crafts and more. You can park free at Rockland District High School (on Broadway) and take a shuttle to the festival. Call for detailed directions. There is an admission charge to the festival for those age 6 and older. Questions: Call 800-LOB-CLAW or 207-596-0376
August 4-6, 2005 SkeeterFest various venues, Hardin, Missouri	Kiddie pedal tractor pull, back seat driving contest, beer garden, garden tractor pull, carnival, lip sync contest, car show, parade, BBQ, flea market, arts and crafts, 3-on-3 basketball, entertainment, food stand, drawings for prizes, fish fry. Additional Details: Call 660-398-4833
August 4-6, 2005 Harvest Days various venues, Skowhegan, Maine	Lobster bake, golf tournament, arts and crafts, entertainment and more. Questions: Call 207-474-3621 Note: If you stay in town a bit longer you can catch the State Fair, which is held August 11-20.
August 4-6, 2005 Raspberry Days Various venues, Garden City, Utah	Pageant, arts and crafts, pancake breakfast, 5K run, golf scramble, parade, fireworks, teen dance, food. Further Details: Call 435-946-2714
August 4-7, 2005 North Carolina Watermelon Festival unknown venue(s), Fair Bluff, North Carolina	Bingo, entertainment, carnival, BBQ dinner, arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, watermelon eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, free watermelon slices, and a tasty food fair with funnel cakes, lo mein noodles, strawberry daiquiris (non-alcoholic), sandwiches, apple sticks and more. There is also a fish dinner on Thursday evening. Information: Call 262-398-5922
August 4-7, 2005 Steinbeck Festival Oldtown area, Salinas, California	This event celebrates its 25th year with films, walking tours, food, storytelling, readings of Steinbeck's work, music, wine, theatre, talks from Thomas Steinbeck and more. Some activities are ticketed separately and may have an admission charge. Learn More: Call 831-775-4721
August 4-7, 2005 Jasper Strassenfest unknown venue(s), Jasper, Indiana	Pageant, youth golf tournament, Children's Box Parade, biergarten, carnival, German music and dance, karaoke contest, chicken dance contest, golf scramble, waterball for the kids (with assistance of local fire department), hot air balloon race, waterball contest for fire fighters, 5K run/walk, pet show,chili cooking contest and much more. Further Details: Call 812-482-6866.
August 4-7, 2005 Riverfest Riverside Park, Watertown, Wisconsin	Rock climbing, entertainment, Taste of Watertown, classic cars, drawings for prizes, fireworks, 5K run/walk, raft race, arts and crafts, kids' casting contest, carnival rides and more. Additional Information: Call 920-261-6320
August 4-7, 2005 Flambeau Rama 5th Street North, Park Falls, Wisconsin	Car show, parade, sidewalk sales, merchant specials, carnival, arts and crafts, entertainment, food court. More: Call 800-762-2709
August 4-7, 2005 Jack Pine Savage Days various venues, Spooner, Wisconsin	Activities for kids, food booths, entertainment, 5-mile run/2-mile walk, volleyball tournaments, 3-on-3 basketball, pancake breakfast (Sunday morning at the fire hall on Summit Street), lip sync contest, air band contest and more. Questions: Call 715-635-2168 or 800-367-3306
August 4-7, 2005 Ribfest/Pig Gig Veterans Park, Bay City, Michigan	Lumberjack shows, petting zoo, BBQ, activities for kids, contests, entertainment, pig races and more. Additional Details: Call 866-684-0452
August 4-7, 2005 Wood Turtle Days Wilton Village Park/Community Center, Wilton, Wisconsin	Water fights, entertainment, games for kids, fireworks, arts and crafts, food, parade, softball and volleyball tournaments. Further Information: Call 608-435-6512
August 5-6, 2005 Watermelon Carnival City Park, Water Valley, Mississippi	Lawnmower races, classic cars, square dancing, arts and crafts, food, entertainment, 5K run/walk, plenty of watermelon. There is no admission charge. Learn More: Call 662-473-1122 or 887-604-5462
August 5-6, 2005 Burger Fest/Balloon Rally Main Street area, Seymour, Wisconsin	Hot air balloons fly mornings and evenings, weather permitting. Enjoy classic cars, a motorcycle rally, arts and crafts, the Bun Run, entertainment, Hardees Hamburger Eating Contest, a parade, Big Wheel race, the ketchup slide competition and the serving of a very large hamburger. They'll also be unveiling a statue to honor Hamburger Charlie. Additional Details: Call 920-833-6688
August 5-6, 2005 Wilton Blueberry Festival Downtown area, Wilton, Maine	Activities for kids, health information, sidewalk sale, bingo, arts and crafts, fireworks, antique tractor pull, boat tours, rummage sales, blueberry bazaar with baked goods, lunches, BBQ, entertainment, pie sale, parade, blueberry cook-off, chili tasting contest, 10K and 1 mile run, a special display of the Vietnam Moving Wall. The festival is celebrating its 23rd year. Questions: Call 207-778-4726
August 5-7, 2005 Twin Days Glenn Chamberlin Park, Twinsburg, Ohio	Twins are the big focus at this event, but everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Many twins come with family members and friends, and sometimes twins come without their twin. There are games, wiener roasts, parade, breakfasts, entertainment and more. And there's the obligatory twins group photo taken on the last day of fun. Further Details: Call 330-425-3652
August 5-7, 2005 Schulenburg Festival Wolters Park, Schulenburg, Texas	5K run/walk and 1.5 mile Run For Scouting, tricycle races, carnival, arts and crafts, cow chip toss, egg toss, 3-on-3 basketball, chili cook-off, softball tournaments for men and women, horseshoe pitching tournament, rodeo events, food booths, Go Texan BBQ Cook-off, volleyball tournament, biergarten, Jackpot Beans Contest, Highspeed Hayride, dance, cow patty bingo, turtle races, entertainment. Get More Information: Call 888-515-1195
August 5-7, 2005 Belgian American Days unknown venue(s), Ghent, Minnesota	Parade, food, Rolle Bolle tournament, arts and crafts. Further Details: Call 507-428-3505
August 5-7, 2005 Wild West Weekend various venues, Dexter, Maine	Kid parade, Wild West Costume Contest, street dance, tobacco spitting contest (must be 18 or over to participate), Hungry Cowpoke's Breakfast and Chicken Pie Supper, library book sale, Fireman's Auction, Duckie Race, beer garden, pig scramble, Shriner Parade, bingo, arts and crafts, Wild West Olympics (at Crosby Park), big yard sale, pie sale, entertainment, car show and more. Learn More: Call 207-824-7351
August 5-7, 2005 Grizzly Fest 10042 S. River Road, Portage, New York	Games and contests, entertainment, chicken BBQ, mountain men encampment, logging demonstrations, arts and crafts, antique tractor pulls. Find Out Details: Call 585-476-2249
August 5-7, 2005 Lucy's Birthday Celebration Lucy-Desi Museum, Jamestown, New York	Take a tour of Lucille Ball's hometown with the man who worked as her chauffeur, enjoy a mystery lunch, find collectibles at the Lucy-Desi Memorabilia Collectors' Show, art, film, a candy wrapping contest and more. Further Information: Call 716-484-7070
August 5-7, 2005 Flekkefest various venues, Elbow Lake, Minnesota	Classic cars, parade, fireworks, street dances, corn feed, tractor display, games, air show, BBQ, Taste of Scandinavia, troll-related activities and more. Get Details: Call 218-685-5380
August 6, 2005 Village Fair Village Green, Stonington, Connecticut	Games, rides for kids, book fair, food, entertainment and more. Questions: Call 860-535-2476.
August 6, 2005 Forbestown Daze Downtown, Forbestown, California	Parade, arts and crafts, music, food, plus costumed characters present history in reenactments. Learn More: Call 530-675-2577 or 530-675-0194.
August 6, 2005 Clark Potato Days various venues, Clark, South Dakota	Mashed potato wrestling, antique farming equipment on display, potato decorating contests, kids' tractor pull, kids' coloring contest, horseshoe tournament, potato dish cooking contest, potato sculptures, arts and crafts, Golf Cart Poker Run, parade, classic cars, softball tournament, festival merchandise. Information: Call 605-532-3512.
August 6, 2005 Acorn Days unknown venue(s), Cedar, Minnesota	Tractor pull, parade, entertainment, food, carnival, classic cars, silent auction, horse & carriage rides, bingo, marshmallow longest drive contest, horseshoe tournament, arts and crafts and more. Further Details: Call 763-753-1920
Sorry, festival-goers. I am unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists free of charge. You may hire me by the hour for personal research.
August 6, 2005 Cookie Daze Barlow Park, Ripon, Wisconsin	Events are held rain or shine, and include the Cookie Blaster Rocket Shop & Launch Pad, horse drawn wagon rides, pageant, Kookie Cookie Bingo, fish pond, basketball free-throw contest, clown show, cookie hunts especially for small children's fun, cookie decorating, cookie baking and tasting. This festival is a great one to take the children to. Additional Information: Call 920-748-6764
August 6, 2005 Cherry Fest Lakeside Park on Hwy 57, Jacksonport, Wisconsin	Baked goods featuring cherries, arts and crafts, historical displays, entertainment, food booths, carriage and wagon rides, penny hunt for kids. Learn More: Call 920-823-2288
August 7, 2005 Raspberry Festival St. Gertrude's Museum grounds, Cottonwood, Idaho	Fun run, cake walk, quilt show, arts and crafts, raspberry products for sale, raspberry shortcake, activities for children, music, classic cars and more. Questions: Call 208-962-7123.
August 10-13, 2005 Baltimore Festival Johnson Park, Baltimore, Ohio	Pageant, carnival games and rides, teen night, cruise in, parade, entertainment, fireworks, drawings for prizes, arts and crafts, 5K road race. Further Details: Call 740-438-0837
August 10-14, 2005 Fun Fest Main & Market area, North Manchester, Indiana	Arts and crafts, entertainment, food, Cruise-In on Friday, parade, more. There is no admission charge. More: Call 260-982-7644
August 11-13, 2005 St. Joe Pickle Festival Johnson Park, St. Joseph, Indiana	Pickle/Pepper Cook-off, teen dance, climbing wall, Pickle Derby, pancake breakfast, parade, entertainment, tours of Sechlers pickle factory, petting zoo, fish fry, chicken BBQ, bingo, horseshoe pitching contest, arts and crafts, food vendors, gospel music, pet parade, and let's not forget to mention the Pickle, Pepper, Poker, People Walk. Questions: Call 260-337-5470.
August 11-13, 2005 Festa! Holy Rosary Church, Ansonia, Connecticut	This festival celebrates Italian heritage with raffles, activities for kids, music, games and rides, a marketplace and plenty of Italian food. Learn More: Call 203-735-1787.
August 11-14, 2005 Looney Days Main Street area, Vergas, Minnesota	Merchant specials, street dance, arts and crafts, games for kids, loon calling contest, karaoke (children and adults), turtle races, food, classic cars. Further Details: Call 218-342-2401
August 11-14, 2005 Scandinavian Festival Festival Grounds, Junction City, Oregon	Scandinavian arts and crafts booths, Skandia Run, craft demonstrations, beer garden, meatball dinner, museum openings, music and dance, commercial booths, plus plenty of treats such as meat pies, lingonberry ice cream, salad on a stick, aebelskiver, lefse and rosettes. Questions: Call 815-539-6507
August 11-14, 2005 Hope Watermelon Festival Fair Park, Hope, Arkansas	Entertainment, more than 200 arts and crafts booths, activities for kids, arm wrestling contest, antique engine show, motorcycle show, bass tournament, sports card show, melon auction, seed spitting contest, watermelon eating contest, 5K run/walk and more. Additional Information: Call 870-777-3640
August 11-14, 2005 National Blueberry Festival Downtown, South Haven, Michigan	Now in its 42nd year, the festival offers a 5K run/walk, arts and crafts, sand-sculpting, entertainment, pie eating contests, and plenty of treats such as blueberry popcorn and chocolate-covered berries. Learn More: Call 269-637-5252 or 800-764-2836
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August 11-14, 2005 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival most events are downtown, Mendota, Illinois	Carnival, teen battle of the bands, hospitality and cooling tents, wildlife demonstrations and information, pageant, blood drive, youth parade, flea market, arts and crafts, food booths, police canine demonstrations, tennis tournament, free sweet corn (2pm on Sunday), parade, classic cars, fresh Del Monte sweet corn for sale by the bag. Additional Details: Call 815-539-6507.
August 11-14, 2005 Iowa Sweet Corn Festival unknown venue(s), West Point, Iowa	BBQ, fresh sweet corn, sweet corn eating contest, arts and crafts, entertainment and more. Further Information: Call 319-837-6313.
August 11-14, 2005 Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival 1600 W. Market Street, Nappanee, Indiana	More than 375 artists show and sell their work, plus there will be entertainment on 3 stages, swan paddle boats, shows at the Round Barn Theatre, rides, festival foods, roving entertainment and more. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and over. Parking is free. Please do not bring pets to this event. Learn More: Call 574-773-4168 or 800-800-4942
August 11-21, 2005 Carnation Festival Various venues, Alliance, Ohio	Entertainment, Carnation Photo Contest, parade, pageant, used book sale at the library, historic home tours, ice cream socials, sports events, senior bowling, fireworks, pet show, hot air balloons, golf scramble, flower show, BBQ, sale of carnations, arts and crafts. Questions: Call 330-823-5150
August 12-13, 2005 Great Goshen Grill Out Downtown, Elkhart, Indiana	Grilling contest, pancake breakfast, entertainment, beer tent, concert on Saturday evening, activities for kids and more. Additional Details: Call 574-296-5844
August 12-13, 2005 Pit Festival unknown venue(s), Battle Mountain, Nevada	The Washington Post onced called Battle Mountain "the armpit of America". Rather than take it badly, the town turned a razz into some snazz, with events such as a deodorant toss, armpit beauty competition, arts and crafts, sweat T-shirt contest, a tug-of-war, rock breaking and plenty of food. The unusual celebration is spurred on by the makers of Old Spice, Procter & Gamble. Further Information: Call 270-782-0800 or 800-326-7465
August 12-14, 2005 Polska Kielbasa Festival various venues, Ivanhoe, Minnesota	3-on-3 basketball, softball tournaments, golf, flea market, arts and crafts, entertainment, karaoke, fireworks and plenty of ethnic foods. Learn More: Call 507-694-1736
August 12-14, 2005 Minnesota Irish Festival Harriet Island, St. Paul, Minnesota	Entertainment with Irish music and dance, sheep herding demonstrations, storytelling, paddleboat rides, gaelic football, tug of war, Irish soda bread baking contest, photo contest, food. Additional Details: Call 952-474-7411
August 12-14, 2005 Ole Hickory Days various venues, Colfax, Indiana	Entertainment, pageant, flea market, games, fish fry, arts and crafts, library book sale, tricycle races, bathtub races, Firefighter Olympics, parade, breakfast, chicken noodle dinner (at UM Church) and more. Questions: Call 765-650-0321
August 12-14, 2005 Kentland Summer Festival unknown venue(s), Kentland, Indiana	Enjoy games and contests, rides, activities for kids, food and more. Further Details: Call 219-474-6050
August 12-14, 2005 Kool-Aid Days unknown venue(s), Hastings, Nebraska	Entertainment, giant inflatables for the kids, rock climbing wall, festival-related merchandise, sidewalk sale, Kool-Aid Cruise of America, bicyle tour, 30th birthday celebration of the Kool-Aid Man, special events at Hastings Museum, exhibits, golf scramble, Kwickest Kool-Aid Drinking Contest, Krazy Kart races. Learn More: Call 800-967-2189
August 12-14, 2005 Huckleberry Festival Community Park, Trout Creek, Montana	Entertainment, huckleberry pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, huckleberry dessert contest, family dance, huckleberries for sale. Questions: Call 406-827-3301 or 406-827-4091
August 12-21, 2005 Bill Johnston's Pirate Days various venues, Alexandria Bay, New York	Pirates storm the village from the St. Lawrence River and kick off the fun! Enjoy storytelling, a boat parade, arts and crafts, activities for kids, dance, much more. Additional Information: Call 800-541-2110
August 13, 2005 Victorian Art Fair Irons Park, West Branch, Michigan	Old-fashioned entertainment, games for kids, food, arts and crafts, exhibitors and more. Get Details: Call 989-345-3856
August 13-14, 2005 Gold Rush Days Main Street area, Buena Vista, Colorado	Rocky Mountain Championship Pack Burro Race, melodrama, gunfighter reenactments, storytelling, rubber duck race, music, gold panning, pancake breakfast, more than 120 arts and crafts booths, food. Learn More: Call 719-395-6612
August 13-14, 2005 Gravenstein Apple Fair Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol, California	Apple pie eating contest, 2 stages of entertainment, apple pie baking contest, chef demonstrations, beer and wine tasting, farm exhibits, area for children, arts and crafts. Details: Call 707-824-1765 or 800-207-9464
August 13-14, 2005 Havre de Grace Seafood Festival Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Maryland	Entertainment, auction, raffle, arts and crafts, food. Get Information: Call 410-939-1525
August 13-14, 2005 Covered Bridge Days Downtown, Brodhead, Wisconsin	Classic cars, 5K run/walk, arts and crafts, parade, entertainment, softball tournament, volleyball tournament, sidewalk sale, flea market, street dance, antique tractors, more. Questions: Call 608-897-8411
August 13-14, 2005 Jour De Fete Historic District, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri	More than 600 arts and crafts booths, music, exhibits and displays of a French Colonial nature. Admission is free. Further Information: Call 573-883-3686 or 800-373-7007
August 13-19, 2005 Corn Festival unknown venue(s), Avon, New York	More than 150 arts and crafts booths, contests, festival foods (including lots of fresh corn), commercial vendors and entertainment. The event runs from 10am-6pm. Additional Details: Call 585-226-8090
August 14, 2005 Musky Jamboree unknown venue(s), Boulder Junction, Wisconsin	Kids' casting contest, A Taste of Musky, flea market, entertainment, more than 170 arts and crafts booths, Musky Fun Run, classic cars, food. Find Out More: Call 715-385-2400
August 17-20, 2005 Pemberville Free Fair Memorial Park, Pemberville, Ohio	Frog jumping contest, flower show, arts and crafts, Portage River Poker Run, quilt show, Swine Scramble, tug of war contest, vehicle show, youth talent contest, volleyball tournament and more. Learn Details: Call 419-287-4836 or 419-287-3832
August 18-21, 2005 Beef & Dairy Days Downtown, Whitehall, Wisconsin	Quilt and needlework show, softball tournament, volleyball tournament, bike tour, parade, cattle show, carnival rides, arts and crafts (on Sunday), 5K run/walk, classic cars, bingo, garden tractor pull, food. Additional Information: Call 715-538-4353
August 18-21, 2005 Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Angell Park, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin	Carnival games and rides, parade on Thursday, beer tent, activities for kids, petting zoo, food booths, entertainment, uncooked corn for sale, cooked sweet corn and other festival foods, storytelling, rock climbing wall, arts and crafts. More: Call 608-837-4547
August 18-21, 2005 Telluride Mushroom Festival various venues, Telluride, Colorado	Information on all sorts of mushrooms, cooking demonstrations, seminars, poetry and music, mushroom tasting, mushroom, parade, chefs' mushroom cook-off, workshops on growing mushrooms and more. Get Details: Call 303-296-9359
August 18-21, 2005 Howell Melon Festival Downtown, Howell, Michigan	Used library book sale, Melon Run, bingo, entertainment, activities for kids, carnival, farmers market, arts and crafts, festival parade, commercial and community vendors, food, pancake breakfast, car show. Learn More: Call 517-546-7477
August 19-20, 2005 National Lentil Festival Downtown, Pullman, Washington	Street dance, games, arts and crafts, entertainment, free lentil chili for everyone, Lentil 5K Fun Run, Tour de Lentil 100K, lentil pancake breakfast, lentil crafts, parades, lentil cooking contests, activities for kids, juggling school. Additional Information: Call 800-365-6948
August 19-21, 2005 Festival of the Little Hills Downtown, St. Charles, Missouri	Festival foods, arts and crafts, entertainment, activities for kids, You can ride a shuttle from Duchesne High School, St. Charles West High School or Family Arena. Get Details: Call 636-949-8686
August 19-21, 2005 Elwood Glass Festival Callaway Park, Elwood, Indiana	In its 33rd year the festival offers fun such as a flea market, vintage cars, tours of the glass factory, quilt show, carnival, parade, arts and crafts, entertainment and food. There is no admission charge. Questions: Call 765-552-0180
August 19-21, 2005 McCloud Heritage Days various venues, McCloud, California	Antique logging demonstrations, arts and crafts, antiques, classic cars, antique tractors, entertainment, melodrama, food. Learn More: Call 530-964-2591
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August 19-21, 2005 Ypsilanti Heritage Festival unknown venue(s), Ypsilanti, Michigan	Contests and raffles, arts and crafts, entertainment, historic tours, food, parade, activities for kids. Additional Details: Call 734-483-6071
August 19-21, 2005 Obetz Zucchinifest Downtown area, Machias, Maine	Blueberry pancake breakfast, kids parade, fish fry, Blueberry Musical, Wild Blueberry Run (1 mile and 5 mile), Wild Blueberry Cooking Contest, dessert bar, music, postal cancellation, quilt raffle, Blueberry Pie Eating Contest, merchant specials. If you get there a day early you can go to the BBQ chicken dinner on Thursday evening. Questions: Call 207-255-6655
August 20, 2005 Ferragosto 300 South & 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah	Bocce ball, Italian cars on display, entertainment, arts and crafts, wine tasting, cheese tasting, vendors of Italian foods. Further Details: Call 801-979-1997
August 20, 2005 Coffee Break Festival Mandt Community Park, Stoughton, Wisconsin	Stoughton claims to be the place where the coffee break began. Celebrate with a 5K and 1-mile run, activities for kids, arts and crafts, sidewalk sales, entertainment, food and plenty of free hot coffee. The event runs from 8am-3pm. Additional Information: Call 888-873-7912
August 20-21, 2005 Round Valley Blackberry Festival Blackberry Festival Grounds, Covelo, California	Music, arts and crafts, activities for kids and plenty of blackberry treats, wine tasting, classic cars, 10K run. Find Out More: Call 707-983-6144
August 20-21, 2005 Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts Fowler Park, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin	Silent auction, activities for kids, arts and crafts, entertainment on 3 stages, food vendors. The event is held rain or shine. Please leave pets at home. Details: Call 262-567-1243
August 20-21, 2005 Greek Festival 111 Island Pond Road, Manchester, New Hampshire	Church tours, entertainment, raffles, crafts, activities for kids, Greek foods. Further Information: Call 603-623-2045
August 20-21, 2005 Virginia Wine Festival Long Branch Farm, Millwood, Virginia	Seminars, arts and crafts, activities for kids, wine tasting, merchant specials, entertainment. The designated driver program allows one person in your party to be provided with nonalcoholic beverages during the event. The festival is held rain or shine. Questions: Call 800-520-9670
August 21, 2005 Art in the Park Civic Park, New Holstein, Wisconsin	Pancake breakfast, entertainment, used book sale at the library (across the street from the park), arts and crafts, corn roast, other foods. Additional Information: Call 920-898-5640
August 21-27, 2005 Union Fair & Blueberry Festival Fairgrounds on Common Road, Union, Maine	In addition to the fun of a community fair, you can enjoy a wild blueberry pancake breafast, an all-you-can-eat pancake contest. And there are pie eating contests plus free tastes of blueberry pie. Other fair events include a demolition derby, harness racing, 4-H projects on display, horse pulling and oxen pulling competitions, a tractor pull, music, watermelon seed spitting contest, bubblegum blowing contest, back seat driving contest and more. Learn More: Call 207-785-3281
August 25-27, 2005 Duncan Hines Festival unknown venue(s), Bowling Green, Kentucky	Recipe contest, music, food, duck race, activities for kids, arts and crafts, outdoor movie. Further Details: Call 270-782-0800 or 800-326-7465
Sorry, festival-goers. I am unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists free of charge. You may hire me by the hour for personal research.
August 25-28, 2005 Obetz Zucchinifest Lancaster Park, Obetz, Ohio	Entertainment, car cruise-in, pageant, arts and crafts and festival foods such as Zucchini Burgers. Questions: Call 614-497-2518
August 26-27, 2005 Olive Festival Various venues, Corning, California	Parade, lawnmower races, water festival, Missing Olive contest, pageant, youth dance, arts and crafts, activities for kids, entertainment, cooking contest, talent show, pancake breakfast, bed races. Further Information: Call 530-824-5550
August 26-27, 2005 Bodock Festival Courthouse Square, Pontotoc, Mississippi	Arts and crafts, golf tournament, Bodock Fence Post Throwing Contest, 5K run, petting zoo, games, food. Details: Call 662-489-5042
August 26-28, 2005 Artstreet Downtown, Green Bay, Wisconsin	Edible arts, literary arts, more than 200 artisans showing and selling their work, strolling performers, art demonstrations, 4 stages of entertainment, food, area for kids. Learn More: Call 920-435-2787
August 26-28, 2005 Prairie Festival unknown venue(s), Huxley, Iowa	Parade, tractor show, arts and crafts, pageant, 5K/10K run/walk, hillbilly auction, horseshoe pitching tournament. Questions: Call 515-597-2561
August 26-28, 2005 Markle Wildcat Festival Markle Park, Markle, Indiana	Bingo, car show, garden tractor pull, Grouch Contest, demolition derby, vendors, historic encampment. Further Details: Call 260-758-2855
August 27, 2005 Shawangunk Mountain Wild Blueberry & Huckleberry Festival unknown venue(s), Ellenville, New York	Area cultural exhibits, arts and crafts, games, blueberry pie baking contest, blueberry pie sale, blueberry pancake breakfast, entertainment. The rain date for events is August 28. Questions: Call 845-647-4620
August 27-28, 2005 Elmwood Avenue Festival Of The Arts Elmwood Avenue (at Auburn St.), Buffalo, New York	Parade, wine tasting, dance, music, art, kids' parade, activities for kids, food. Find Out More: Call 716-830-2484
August 27-28, 2005 Keystone State Hot & Stinky Garlic & Herb Festival Zanolini Nursery, Drums, Pennsylvania	Garlic eating contest, hot pepper eating contest, pottery making demonstrations, arts and crafts, music, chili cooking contest, festival foods. The festival runs from 11am-8pm on Saturday and from 11am-5pm on Sunday. Additional Details: Call 570-788-3152
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August 27-28, 2005 Seven Springs Wine & Food Festival 777 Water Wheel Drive, Champion, Pennsylvania	Grape stomp, wine tastings, fireworks, music, activities for kids, arts and crafts, food. This is the festival's 13th year. Questions: Call 866-703-7625
August 27-28, 2005 Coplay Community Days Saylor Park, Coplay, Pennsylvania	5K race, entertainment, tours of area kilns, arts and crafts, food. Find Out More: Call 610-262-6088
August 27-28, 2005 Festival in the Pines Carson Park, Eau Claire, Wisconsin	Now in its 23rd year, the festival offers a petting zoo, more than 250 arts and crafts booths, entertainment, Pub Garden, games and rides for kids and entertainment. Enjoy festival foods such as sweet potato fries, fajitas, BBQ and cheesecake on a stick. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Additional Details: Call 888-611-7463
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August Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
August 3-7 Marian Days, 1900 S. Grand Ave., Carthage, Missouri, 417-358-7787 August 4-7 Phelps Sauerkraut Festival, Phelps, New York, 315-548-8017 August 5-6 Great River Road Food Festival,                                Main Street Marketplance, Natchez, Mississippi, 601-445-0338 August 5-6 Zoar Mosquito Festival, United Methodist Church, Zoar, Indiana, 812-536-2920 August 5-7 Riverfest, Vassar, Michigan, 989-823-2601 August 5-7 Nifty 50's Celebration, Ponca, Nebraska, 402-755-2224 August 5-7 Wilber Czech Festival, Wilber, Nebraska August 6 Crossroads Festival, Lima, New York, 585-582-1481 August 6 Filipino Heritage Festival, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose, California August 6 Brush Valley Days, Fireman's Field, Brush Valley, Pennsylvania, 724-479-0845 August 6-7 Waterfront Arts Festival, Waterfront Park, New London, Connecticut, 860-912-0422 August 6-7 West Springfield Art Festival, Junction of Routes 5 & 20, West Springfield, Massachusetts August 6-7 Carmel Valley Fiesta, Carmel Valley, California, 831-659-4502 August 6-7 Maui Onion Festival, Whalers Village, Lahaina, Hawaii, 808-661-4567 August 6-7 Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival, 10am-6pm, Downtown Plaza, Watsonville, California, 831-768-3266 August 6-7 Peaches & Cream Festival, Apple Holler, Sturtevant, Wisconsin, 262-886-8500 August 6-7 Heritage Days, Park Circle, Angelica, New York, 585-466-3216 August 6-7 Festa Italiana, 3730 Auburn Bld., Sacramento, California, 916-690-5634 August 6-7 Cabrillo Music, Art & Wine Festival,                                Church Street near Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, California, info@cabrillomusic.org August 7 Possum Festival, Wausau, Florida, 850-638-4157 August 7 Taste of Dorset, Park Rapids, Minnesota, 218-732-0275 August 10-13 Schweizer Fest, Tell City, Indiana, 888-343-6262 August 10-13 Big Coal River Festival, Whitesville, West Virginia, 304-854-1224 August 12-13 Festival of Summer, downtown, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 262-723-5788 August 12-14 Milbank Train Festival, Milbank, South Dakota August 12-14 Canada Days, Bethel, Maine, 207-824-2908 or 800-824-2910 August 12-14 Pure Water Days/Heritage Fun Fest, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, 888-723-0024 August 13 Tomato Festival, downtown, Yuba City, California, 530-218-2320 August 13 Tomato Festival, Texas Street downtown, Fairfield, California, 707-422-0103 August 13-14 Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar,                                2401 Riverside Ave., Sacramento, California, 916-446-0121 August 13-14 Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, Connecticut, 860-572-9578 August 14 Scandinavian Saturday, Shell Lake, Wisconsin, 715-468-2904 August 14 Peach Festival, Attica, New York, 585-591-2161 August 17-20 Spudfest Drive-In Family Film & Music Festival,                                various venues, Driggs, Idaho, 208-354-3221 August 19-20 Peach Festival, Palisade, Colorado, 970-464-7458 August 19-21 Diamond Days, Blairsville, Pennsylvania, 724-459-6252 August 19-21 Medaryville Community Potato Fest, Medaryville, Indiana, 219-843-3371 August 20 Newfane August Fest, Newfane, New York, 716-778-7674 August 20-21 Olde Farmers Fest, downtown, Rolling Prairie, Indiana, 219-324-6206 August 20-22 Lewis & Clark Heritage Days,                                Heritage Park, Elk Point, South Dakota, 605-356-2164 August 25-28 Swiss Wine Festival,                                Paul Ogle Riverfront Park, Vevay, Indiana, 800-435-5688 August 26-27 Crane Broiler Festival, Crane, Missouri, 417-723-5248 August 27 Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, downtown, Cary, North Carolina, 919-462-3864 August 27 AquaFest, Cedar Lake Park, Olathe, Kansas, 913-971-6263 August 27-28 Festival of the Arts, Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 630-790-9180
Other August 2005 Events You Might Enjoy Items in this section may also be festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
August 2 Teddy Bear Picnic, 641 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, New York, 716-884-0095 August 4-7 World's Longest Outdoor Sale,                                Along U.S. Highway 127, headquartered in Jamestown, Tennessee, 859-491-0458 August 4-7 Street Rod Nationals, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, Louisville, Kentucky, 901-452-4030 August 5-7 Wizard World,                                Stephens Convention Center, Chicago, Illinois, conventions@wizarduniverse.com August 5-7 Fandemonium, Civic Center, Nampa, Idaho, borneo@fandemonium.org August 6 Antiques Festival on the Green, Hubbard Green, Glastonbury, Connecticut, 860-633-6890 August 6 Midwest Scroll Saw Picnic, Middle School, Richland, Wisconsin, 608-647-2591 August 6 Pancake Breakfast,                                First Presbyterian Church at 90 & 34B, King Ferry, New York, 315-364-7065 August 6-7 Gun & Knife Show, Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, Kansas August 6-7 Trade Days, Hwy. 306, Coldwater, Mississippi August 6-7 Great Hattiesburg Gun & Knife Show,                                University Inn, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 601-583-7500 August 6-8 Metris Uptown Art Fair, Hennepin Ave. area, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 612-823-4581 August 10 Food Festival, Albany, New York, 518-473-0559 August 11-14 Cumberland Craft Show, Fairgrounds, Cumberland, Maine, 207-621-1945 August 12-14 Maine Antiques Festival, Fairgrounds, Union, Maine, 207-563-1013 August 12-14 On The Green 2 Arts & Crafts Festival,                                10am-5pm, Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, 603-528-4014 August 12-14 Conglomeration, Clarion Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky, info@conglomeration.org August 13 Stroll Through The Park, Albion Park, Edgerton, Wisconsin, 608-884-3581 August 13 Waldensian Festival, Main Street area, Valese, North Carolina, 828-879-2129 August 13 Somerset Antique Show, uptown, Somerset, Pennsylvania, 814-445-6431 August 13-14 Egyptfest/Antique Tractor Pull, Cape Girardeau, Missouri August 13-14 Fine Arts Show, Playground Park, Green Lake, Wisconsin, 800-253-7354 August 13-14 Collectors Carnival, 4-H Fairgrounds, Evansville, Indiana, 812-471-9419 August 13-14 Art in the Park, Library Park, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 262-249-7988 August 13-14 Morning Glory Craft Fair, 929 N. Water, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-259-1440 August 13-14 Outdoor Art Festival, Historic downtown, Mystic, Connecticut, 860-572-9578 August 13-15 Plein Air Painting, High Country Lodge, Magdalena, New Mexico, 505-854-2953 August 14 Crafts in the Park, Village Park, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, 715-986-4680 August 15-20 Bay Area Tap Festival, various venues, San Francisco, California, 415-294-4941 August 18-21 Gen Con Indy, Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, 206-957-3976 August 19-20 Mums The Word, Courthouse Lawn, Bedford, Indiana, 812-275-8047 August 19-20 Ignite The Nites, downtown, Libby, Montana, 406-293-2633 August 19-21 Armadillocon, Doubletree Hotel North, Austin, Texas, 512-477-6259 August 20-21 Children First Festival, Ellicottville, New York, 716-699-5544 August 20-21 Santa Fe Indian Market, downtown, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 505-983-5220 August 20-21 Art Show, Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Maryland, 410-939-9342 August 21 Tomato/To-Mah-To Heirloom Tomato Tasting Feast,                                86 Nooks Hill Rd., Cromwell, Connecticut, 860-223-6200 August 21 Concours d'Elegance, Pebble Beach, California, 831-622-1700 August 26 Air Force Band of Liberty,                                Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, New York, 716-357-6250 August 26-27 BBQ Fest, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 573-335-3312 August 26-28 Frog Follies, 4-H Fairgrounds, Evansville, Indiana, 812-428-3764 August 26-28 Indianapolis Air Show, Mt. Comfort Airport, Greenfield, Indiana, 317-335-7252 August 26-28 Bondville Fair, Route 30, Bondville, Vermont, 802-297-1882 August 26-September 1 Centre County Grange Fair,                                Grange Park, Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, 814-364-1495 August 27-28 Island Park Show, Island Park, Fargo, North Dakota, 701-241-1350 August 27-29 Miami County Heritage Days, 4-H Fairgrounds at 1029 W. 200 N.,                                Denver, Indiana, 765-985-3435
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It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

Look at this guy!

This is Scott L. Schwartz. If you ever get into trouble, you'll want him on your side. This guy means business. And his business is playing big and bad. Big may come easy, because he's 6'10" and weighs about 300 pounds. I'm not sure how he pulls off the bad part though, because he actually seems to be very... Well, never mind. Just click on the banner and get ready for some action. www.ultimatebadguy.com Scott will be at Wizard World in Chicago, August 5-7

Once upon a time there was a man with a gentle voice and quiet charm. He made several movies and worked in a TV show playing a character who rode a motorcycle from town to town, touching lives, and singing a little here and there. Then some of us didn't hear much of him for awhile. We wondered if he would ever come to sing for us again.
Michael Parks is singing, and he recorded 17 songs for us to enjoy, including: I'll Never Be Free Basin Street Blues Don't Go To Strangers Easy Street This CD was a long time coming, but it was worth waiting for. Take a trip to Listen Recordings where you can order your copy.

Trade something you have... For something you want! Keep more of your cash! Barter! Check out Santa Cruz Barter!

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

Joan Garnand creates from her home in Tennessee. Her design styles range from simple elegance to whimsical fun. Joan does hand-painted stationery, uses spare moments at festivals to paint faces, and entertains children at private parties. Only a small sample of her work is illustrated online. Talk to her about what you're looking for!

More and more chain stores are offering reloadable gift cards that can be used just like cash at their various locations, among them 7-Eleven and Starbucks. Now you can add Subway Subway to that list. The card is replacing the Sub Club program in at least half a dozen states, and the company may make the Subway Card available in more states soon, since it's ending it's Sub Club card program will be gone by the end of 2005. Remember though--these cards are like cash. If you leave one lying around it can be picked up and used by anyone. Registering the card can help, if you notify the company in the event the card is lost or stolen. And be sure to check the fine print when you use these cards. Some companies add a service charge on inactive cards after a certain period of time.
If you'd like to get a gang together to do some traveling in the Northeast of the U.S., consider the Share Fares program being offered by Amtrack. Buy two tickets by September 30 (you can do the actual traveling until the end of the year) and the third through sixth passengers in your group will get their far for 90 percent off. Get the details on Amtrak's web site.		Our states in the Southwest are in the throes of monsoon season, which typically lasts until mid-September. The good news is that the rain wakes the desert floor and produces great blooms later. If you not into trekking across the desert to find botanical wonders you might want to take advantage of places like the University of Arizona's Campus Arboretum. Their online guide to What's In Bloom will help you make the most of a visit to the American Southwest.

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